Research Interests

My research focuses on understanding how ecosystems respond to both natural and human disturbances. A major emphasis of this work is on linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Investigations include studies of how environmental change impacts hydrological, biological and chemical processes in forest watersheds that ultimately affect water quality and quantity. This research includes analyses of long-term field measurements, shorter-term field experiments, laboratory studies and modeling, and has been performed at multiple scales ranging from small plots to global syntheses. Some of the disturbances that I am currently investigating include air pollution, forest harvesting, ice storms, soil freezing, and drought.

Why This Research is Important

My research provides a more comprehensive understanding of how forest and aquatic ecosystems respond to environmental change. This knowledge helps in identifying vulnerabilities and developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. These scientific advancements provide land and water resource managers with a basis for making decisions and will enable them to better prepare for change to minimize impacts. Understanding and predicting how ecosystems respond to environmental change is also critical to the development of environmental policy, and will ensure the continued availability of the benefits and services that these ecosystems support.

Scientific breakthroughs of the 21st century will be powered by tools that help researchers collect and manipulate massive datasets, visualize that data, and offer new ways of understanding the scientific processes behind that information. Forest Service scientists are taking a lead in developing a national Experimental Forests and Ranges “Smart Forests” Network. This network of wired forests uses digital environmental sensors, wireless communications, and new data visualization programs to create a powerful integrated research and monitoring program for the nation’s air, water, forest and rangeland resources.

In the northeastern United States, it is unclear how climate change may affect the surface water supply, which is critically important in this densely populated region. NRS scientist John Campbell and collaborators have been evaluating the impact of climate change on streamflow at small gauged watersheds at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire.